The PCA’s Fellowship Presbytery, which covers several counties of South Carolina, has adopted a position statement regarding Genesis 2:7 in light of a recent book by Covenant Seminary Old Testament Professor C. John Collins: Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? Who They Were and Why You Should Care.

On the recommendation of its Membership Committee, the presbytery adopted the following position statement: “The members of Fellowship Presbytery affirm that the Scriptures, specifically Genesis 1 and 2, teach that Adam and Eve are historical individuals, that Adam and Eve were specially created by God through His direct intervention and that God formed Adam, the first man, from the dust of the ground. The members of Fellowship Presbytery deny that Genesis 2:7 means that God acted upon a group of humans or hominids to set apart the first couple. Anyone seeking to be ordained within Fellowship Presbytery or to transfer his ordination into Fellowship Presbytery must agree with the above statements.”

Michael Dixon, pastor of Christ Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, S.C., said the decision to adopt this statement was not because the presbytery has dealt with pastoral candidates with variances of belief on Genesis 2. [Collins’] book started it, Dixon said. “The statement was drafted not because we were trying to trap anybody in the presbytery. It’s a chance for us to be up front and candid about our views.”

Collins said his book was never intended to serve as “ecclesiastical criteria,” but rather aims to help those with a scientific background. “It was [an approach that Francis] Schaeffer had: ‘What do I believe?’ versus ‘What do I consider to be reasonable boundaries?’ I wrote with the boundaries in mind. I didn’t write to denounce anyone, but to help people think things through. I have the impression that this bothers some people who would prefer something sharper.”

Collins went on to say that his book was written for Christians, for scientists, and for those who want to work through issues relating to science and affirming the historicity of Adam and Eve. Collins also said that he included perspectives that he doesn’t agree with and that presenting his own viewpoint wasn’t the book’s goal. “I describe views that I don’t hold and try to help people figure out boundaries,” Collins said.

Dixon believes the debate shows the strength of the PCA, “a denomination that is concerned with primary doctrine. I like the fact that we can exchange ideas. Iron sharpens iron; there’s always friction and always heat.”

3 Responses to Fellowship Presbytery Adopts Position on Adam and Eve

First, I absolutley believe the Bible to be the inspired Work of God, word by word throughout – with the possible exception of a very few words or phrases whose questionability might be the result of sequential translations from one language to another. Secondly, I believe that God is not a creature of time, for He created time, and therefore all time is present to Him; in II Peter 3:8 we read: “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” Third, I believe that the first chapters of Genesis were written (inspired) so many thousands of years ago that they were spoken to people who could not have understood that God’s creation extended over millions of years. So, my understanding is (and I may be wrong) that God’s inspired statement to our ancestors of many thousands of years was stated in terms that they could comprehend, and hence were indeed inspired and, if properly understood, are still true!

I believe the stance of the Presbytery to be correct. If Adam and Eve were not real historical people then it casts doubt on the Person and Work of Christ. Jesus taught a real Adam, Paul taught a real Adam. Adam and Eve were the first human beings. If there was no real Adam and Eve how can we talk of sin? of salvation in Christ…The gospel is overturned!

I believe that the presbytery has done a wonderful job. The Apostle Paul compares the first man Adam with the last Adam Jesus Christ when he wants to prove what kind of resurrection body the believers will have(I Cor. 15:45). If Adam is not a historical person, Paul lies. Then as Paul has said, “if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith”(I Cor. 15:14). Then we have no hope and the world has no hope too.

RUF National Coordinator, Rev. Tom Cannon, stepped down from his role on March 2, 2018. His resignation was received by the permanent committee with appreciation for his service and tenure as chairman.
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